Chapter XXXVII – Angel in the Vines

Mu walked across the grounds of Port Arthur gingerly, picking her way among the pits of mud that had developed in the wake of the previous night’s storm. Ostara, somehow, seemed to effortlessly avoid these pitfalls and retain her typical elegance as she walked ahead of Mu towards the main hall.

The heat seemed especially oppressive today. The rain had stopped again, but the sky was covered by grey clouds. She put a hand to her face. Her cheeks felt like they were on fire. Compounding her discomfort, she was starting to get aches in her muscles – something she put down to prolonged exposure to the planet’s higher gravity.

Inside the hall, they found a number of others waiting, sitting around one of the tables. Michael Arthur was there, flanked by Jiwen and Shulin. A few seats over sat Gao Yunqi, arms folded, expression unreadable. Also present was Doctor Zhao, though he sat on a seat away from the table. The sixth person in the room was someone Mu did not recognise, but judging by his pseudo-military uniform, she took him to be the Commandant. He had short greying hair and neatly trimmed facial hair. He sat with his chair pushed back and his arms folded in front of his chest. His expression was one of fixed disdain.

“Ostara, Mu, welcome,” said Michael, upon seeing them enter. They took seats off to the side near Doctor Zhao. Mu greeted the Doctor; he responded with little more than a curt nod.

“Since everyone is here, we can begin this meeting of the Leadership Committee,” said Michael. “As you can plainly see, I have permitted some of our guests to join us this morning. Are there any objections to their presence?”

Gao glared their way, but said nothing.

“Very well,” said Michael, “Let’s proceed. We will start with the vine warden report.”

“Eleven total intrusions observed last night, none far advanced when discovered,” said Jiwen.

“That’s the most in a while….” murmured Shulin.

“Second-highest on record after the thirteen we had one night a few weeks back,” confirmed Jiwen.

“Any new species identifications?” asked Michael.

“We were operating under difficult conditions due to the storm, but I do not believe so.”

“Anything else of note we should be aware of?”

“Not from my end. Madam Mukushen accompanied me for some of the night.”

“Mr Gao?”

“Nothing of particular note,” Gao said. He had the mannerisms of a man for whom everything was an undue burden.

“Perhaps we shall move onto the storm damage report,” said Michael. “I’ll take care of this one. It appears the jetty was damaged by fallen trees washed down the river. We’ll get a repair crew there today to assess what can be done. Weimin and his crew had already departed at the time of the incident. As of last contact with them, they were fine and had rejoined the Cang Teng. Unfortunately, the only river-faring vessel we have met its end alongside the jetty. This does leave us somewhat isolated for the time being. I fear our guests may need to stay with us at least until the next trader visits.”

The Commandant leant forward. “I will contact Heye and see if they cannot send us a relief transport.”

Gao Yunqi muttered something under his breath.

“What was that?” demanded the Commandant.

“I said there’s not much chance of them ever helping,” said Gao.

“Watch your tone, you’d have nothing without the Corporation,” said the Commandant.

“You’re right, I should be grateful to be here instead of home with my people.”

“Gentlemen, please,” said Micheal. “We shall await word from Heye. In the meantime, we’ll make repairing the jetty a priority.”

“Think your guys could give us a hand with that?” Gao asked the Commandant, his tone steeped in sarcasm.

“Watch your fucking mouth, convict,” snarled the Commandant.

“Figured not,” said Gao. “Just remember, as long as that jetty is broken, you’re trapped here with us too.”

The Commandant was about to snap back, but Michael spoke up, his voice firmer than Mu had heard it previously. “Gentlemen!”

He gazed around those assembled, as if daring anyone to speak. When he himself spoke again, his tone was as soft and genteel as ever, “Regrettably, I must also report that our primary water filtration system is broken. Whether this is connected to the storm or not, I couldn’t say with any certainty at this stage, but that is obviously another high priority repair job. Mrs Li, could I please get you to oversee the manual boiling and filtering of enough water to make up for any shortfall in the meantime?”

“Of course,” said Shulin. “We’ll do what we can. We have already got the word out that showers are suspended until further notice. Water is to be used for strictly essential purposes only.”

“Thank you, Mrs Li,” said Michael.

Mu didn’t very much fancy the idea of going without showers for any length of time in this climate. Normally she didn’t sweat much, but Luanyuan had somehow managed to do it. Her clothes felt clammy and uncomfortable. But, she conceded, there probably wasn’t much to be done about it for the time being. With any luck the repair crew would find the problem quickly.

“The other matter of concern is that a second case of fever has been reported,” said Michael.

“Lieutenant Liao and Cui are looking into it,” said the Commandant.

“Doctor Cui,” murmured Gao.

The Commandant ignored him this time. “In the meantime, they’ve been isolated in the unused dorm.”

“Let’s hope that’s the last case,” said Jiwen.

“With any luck,” said Michael.

“The only other matter I’m aware of is with Yesugei’s scouting party,” said Jiwen.

“Any word from them?” asked Michael.

Jiwen shook his head. “Not yet.”

“Should we be concerned about that?” asked Mu. If she was following correctly, Yesugei was the leader of the scouting party that included Toghrul.

Jiwen looked over to her. “I don’t think there’s reason for immediate alarm,” he said, “Though last night’s storm and the amount of activity we observed in the vines are somewhat concerning. But we’ve been having sustained comms trouble for the best part of a month now, and we’re not expecting them back until today at the earliest, anyway.”

“Okay,” said Mu. “Sounds… fine.”

She hadn’t encountered any foreboding around Toghrul’s fate, so she felt reasonably reassured. There was certainly no rush – even once Toghrul returned, they wouldn’t be able to leave Port Arthur for a while anyway, by the sounds of things. Yet, she continued to feel uneasy. What was it that her and Apollo had sensed was here on Luanyuan? And what fate awaited Michael Arthur?

“I’m hoping they will bring some good news on the edible fruits front,” said Shulin. “Even with the latest deliveries from Weimin and the contributions of our visitors, our current stores are going to be difficult to sustain long term.”

“We are all hopeful for good news there,” said Michael.

“I appreciate that locating food sources is no doubt the most pressing matter,” said Jiwen, “But I am very curious as to whether or not they reached the impact site.”

“Impact site?” asked Ostara, raising a questioning eyebrow.

“Shortly before you arrived an object impacted the surface from orbit. It wasn’t clear what it was, but it appeared to be moving too slowly to be a meteorite. It’s been theorised it may have been a ship crash. One of Yesugei’s party’s objectives was to reach the site of the impact and assess whether it was indeed a starship, and whether there were any survivors,” said Michael.

“I don’t love their chances out there if Yesguei didn’t get to them quickly,” said Jiwen. “…if they survived the impact.”

Mu thought he was probably right.

“When the party returns, I would like to discuss their findings with them,” said Doctor Zhao.

“That shouldn’t be a problem,” said Jiwen.

“I would also like to request an escort to the nearest of the Heavenly Pits,” said Zhao.

“Madam Ostara has made a similar request,” said Jiwen. “I think we should be able to accommodate it.”

“Right,” said Michael, “Were there any more matters that require the Committee’s attention?”

“I am loth to mention it, but we were to discuss Mrs Fu’s application to join this Committee,” said Shulin.

The Commandant let out a laugh. “Look, ultimately I don’t give a shit what you convicts do here as long as you don’t cause me any issues, but I’m just saying: if I were you, I wouldn’t be letting that mad old bat anywhere near your little committee.”

Gao looked sideways at the Commandant. “He’s right,” he said.

“Never thought I’d see the day,” said Shulin.

“I’m saying it as it is,” said Gao. “Fu Yuanjing is a fanatic. She has no idea what’s in the best interests of the colony and her presence here would be a danger to us all.”

Jiwen sighed. “I believe Mrs Fu means well, but I am inclined to agree that she is not temperamentally suited to sitting on this Committee.”

“No argument here,” said Shulin.

Michael looked around. He too sighed. “I am mostly inclined to agree with all of you. However, I am concerned whether she will cause us more trouble inside or outside the committee.”

Jiwen nodded, conceding the point. “She is unlikely to take the rejection well.”

“She is a Resonant,” said Shulin. “Whether we like what she has to say or not, we’d do well to take her seriously.”

Gao scowled. “I honestly believe taking her seriously is the last thing we should be doing. She’s a crackpot.”

“But she could pose a serious danger if we get her too far off side,” said Michael. “With the Committee’s consent, I’d like more time to think the matter over and explore options.”

“I can live with that,” said Gao, “But I’m not going to change my mind. If we let her in, we may as well just open it up to everyone. Let’s get Ma Jinhai in here next!”

“Ma Jinhai hasn’t asked,” said Jiwen.

“That’s all that’s stopping us letting him in?”

“Well, we’d have to consider every course if he did apply, but that’s not what we’re dealing with right now, is it? Fu Yuanjing is the issue at hand,” said Jiwen.

“And if after this deferral is over, if it’s decided to admit Fu Yuanjing, then I want to put forward other names to balance out the crazy,” said Gao.

“And we will consider such nominations in due time if you make them,” said Michael, “But in the meantime, can I take it that the Committee is agreed to deferring the matter?”

“Aye,” said three voices in unison, Gao’s slightly lagging the other two.

“Then I believe that concludes this meeting,” said Michael. “I hope it was enlightening for our guests.”

“Very much so, thank you,” said Zhao, smiling thinly.

“Thank you for allowing us to observe,” said Ostara. “It was very informative.”

With that the assembled group rose and left the hall. As they were exiting an elderly woman – older than Shulin and possibly around Michael’s age – stepped forward to block their path.

“Mr Arthur,” she said with a broad smile. Her eyes had a gentleness to them, but as Mu looked closer, she saw they had an oddly unfocused quality to them, giving the woman an eerily dissociative aura. Mu recognised her as the woman she’d seen sitting away from most of the other convicts at dinner last night.

The Commandant didn’t stop, brushing past the others and pushing straight past the woman. She didn’t even turn to look his way, though, keeping her face turned Michael’s way.

“Mrs Fu,” replied Michael, “How are you this morning?”

Fu Yuanjing’s smile grew even wider. “I am well! After all, it is a glorious day. I am always thankful on such days.”

“Thankful for the storm?” asked Gao.

“The storm was cleansing,” said Fu, not looking his way.

“Not of our water supply. The filtration system’s down,” said Gao.

“I trust you have discussed my matter, Mr Arthur?” she said, ignoring Gao.

“Ah, yes, of course, we have discussed it,” said Michael, “Unfortunately there are some additional considerations we must take into account. As such, we can’t give you a definitive answer just yet.”

Fu tilted her head to one side, her smile never dimming. “That is unfortunate, Mr Arthur. I believe it is a rather urgent matter that the voice of the Nine Suns be represented in the leadership of this colony. Otherwise, there is ever the risk that we shall fall into the Stars’ disfavour.”

“We’ve got more pressing matters than the Stars’ feelings,” said Gao.

This time Fu did turn his way, her head shooting around in a motion so sudden it startled Mu. Her eyes were no longer far off and unfocused, becoming hawklike in their intensity. “And tell me, young man, how goes it with the vines? More and more incursions, yes? That’s what we hear out here, anyway.”

“We of course respect your views and value your perspective,” said Michael. “We will let you know our decision as soon as possible.”

Fu slowly turned back his way, her eyes tracking Gao until her head had fully turned back towards Michael. “I pray for a quick and satisfactory resolution to your deliberations.”

“Thank you, Mrs Fu,” said Michael.

With that, the Committee members awkwardly moved passed her, made difficult by the fact that she did not budge a single centimetre, continuing simply to stare straight ahead, smiling all along.

Once they were all passed her, she called out, “Only the Light of the Nine Suns can save us. Those who do not embrace it are doomed to perish in darkness.”

Mu looked at the woman and shuddered despite the burgeoning heat of the day.

Tavian had spent the morning assisting a group of convicts with moving several crates of goods in the stores. During the storm, part of the stores had become waterlogged and there was a concern it would soak through and ruin the rice contained in the crates. It was hard work and hot work. As he was walking back to the dorms, his shirt slung over his shoulder, he could already feel the faint ache in his muscles.

I’m gonna feel this tomorrow, he mused.

Still, there was a satisfaction in the simplicity and sense of achievement that came from manual labour. Plus, there was no gym here, so this would have to be his training. Plus, he had scored an invite to come play cards and drink baijiu with the convicts later. If nothing else, it’d no doubt be an opportunity to learn some convict songs.

He had not halfway crossed the village when he heard the sound of sobbing. Glancing around, he couldn’t immediately see its source, but after a few moments more he worked out where it was coming from. Ducking around a corner to a shadowy spot between two of the dormitory buildings he saw a skinny boy sitting on the ground, his knees scrunched up to his chest, his head buried between them.

“You alright there, mate?” asked Tavian.

A tear-soaked face looked up at him. The boy shook his head slowly. Tavian took a deep breath and walked over to him, crouching down next to him. He had thought of sitting, but saw the ground was little more than churned mud.

“What’s the problem?”

“They took my rocks.”

This was not the answer Tavian expected. “Your, ah, your rocks, huh?”

The boy nodded.

“Why’d they do that?” Tavian asked, doing his best to act as if the case of the stolen rocks was of the utmost seriousness.

“They say I’m stupid,” said the boy. “That the rocks are stupid.”

Well, they are rocks.

“Well, that’s, er… not nice,” said Tavian.

“Do you think I’m stupid?”

“Truth be told, I don’t really know you, but from what I’ve seen, you seem like a bright young man. Not stupid at all,” said Tavian. He was unsure how convincing he was being.

“Everyone else thinks I’m stupid.”

“I’m sure that’s not true.”

“Well, maybe not Mr Zhang or Mrs Fu, but aside from them…”

“Mr Zhang, you mean Jiwen?”

The boy nodded, wiping his eyes. “But he’s always busy, so he doesn’t have much time for me.”

“What about Mrs Fu?”

“If she were around, they wouldn’t have taken my rocks.”

“Who exactly is they?”

“The people who are always around Mr Ma,” said the boy. “They like to hurt me and laugh at me.”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

“Well, they sound like right cunts,” said Tavian. “You shouldn’t have to put up with that. Tell you what, next time anything happens, come and get me, then we’ll put ‘em in their place. I’m staying in the dormitory over there.”

“They’re bigger than you.”

Tavian decided to let the insult slide. This wasn’t about him. He did however instinctively puff out his chest. “I’m sure they’re not as big as my friend,” he said. “Plus, I’ve got a few tricks of my own.”

The boy smiled. “Thank you, Mr,” he said. “What’s your name?”

“Tavian Locke at your service, young sir. And what is your name?”

“Chen Xiaoyu,” said the boy.

Tavian extended a hand. After a moment of staring at it the boy took it and awkwardly shook.

“Pleasure to meet you, Mr Chen,” said Tavian.

He paused a moment, considering what the appropriate next move was. After a momentary internal debate he asked, “So, tell me about these rocks.”

Xiaoyu shrugged. “I dunno… I’ve just been collecting rocks I find interesting since I got here. I had a lot. Some were real smooth – from the river, the water makes them smooth. Another one was like a cube, all straight sides. I don’t know how it got that way. There was also this one…”

Once he hit his stride, Xiaoyu was off, detailing the undeniably extensive former rock collection. Tavian was only half-listening, but that didn’t seem to matter all that much; Xiaoyu was happy to just keep on talking. Meanwhile, Tavian’s mind wandered. How old was this kid? How did he end up in a place like this?

“Most people said the rocks were stupid, but I liked them, and Mr Zhang said they were good and he knows, too, because he’s a rock scientist, did you know that?”

“Wow,” said Tavian. “Well, you’re right. He would know.”

At this point, Tavian felt like he’d done his bit. Xiaoyu was no longer crying, at least. After his morning of moving crates, he was keen for some down time.

“Well, Mr Chen, why don’t we go looking for some new rocks sometime?”

“Really!?”

“Sure. Why not?”

“Wow. Thanks, Mr. I feel better. But I better go. Mrs Fu says I can’t forget to say my prayers or the Nine Suns won’t shine on me… then bad things will happen,” said Xiaoyu.

“Oh, well, that sounds important. I’ll see you later.”

Xiaoyu scurried off. Tavian shook his head and resumed his journey. He hadn’t gotten far at all when Nova came running up to him.

“Tavian!” she yelled, then came to a halt. “Oooh! Shirtless, huh? Looking… sweaty.”

“Thanks, Nova, but my eyes are up here.”

“Your… ah…” she waved her hand around the general area of his chest… “your… muscles gotten bigger?”

“I do try,” he said. “But… you were going to tell me something?”

“Oh yeah,” she said, as he put his shirt back on. “Ostara wanted to know whether you would come with her and that Jiwen guy to see some… pit.”

He had been thinking about lying around and not doing much of anything for at least a good portion of the afternoon, but, since it was Ostara asking, he guessed he could go. Could be interesting.

“Sure,” he said. “Is she at the dorm? I’m heading back there now.”

“She was off talking to someone, but she might be back,” said Nova. “She said to meet her at the riverside entrance to the village.”

“Right,” said Tavian, “Well, if you see her before I do, let her know that I’ll be coming – I just need to have a shower before I go.”

Nova shook her head. “Don’t think so,” she said, “Water filtration system’s fucked at the moment and the folks in charge have said no showers till it’s fixed to conserve water. I was just on my way to check out the system, see if I can’t help get it working. Anyway, until then, you’ll just need to stay all… sweaty.”

He glared at her. She turned away, blushing, and began attempting to whistle.

“Go on then,” he said, “I’m sure getting a water filter working shouldn’t be too much hassle for you.”

After Nova went on her way, Tavian continued on his. Reaching the dorm, he pushed open the door, stepping inside.

“I’m home!” he called out, fully expecting nobody to be there. Instead, he was greeted with a groan. “Hello?”

“Tav…ian?” came a weak voice.

He rushed in. There, lying on one of the lower bunks, was Mu. Her skin was pallid, apart from her cheeks, which were flushed bright red. The sheets around her were damp, and her skin glistened with sweat. She was lying on the bed still fully dressed – even her boots were still on.

“What’s happening?” he asked.

“So hot…” she moaned.

“You’re not wrong… but there’s more happening here than just the heat.”

He leant down, placing his hand to her forehead. It was burning hot.

“You, m’dear, have one hell of a fever,” he said.

“Fever…” she murmured, her glazed eyes not meeting his. “They said other people… too…”

“You’re not making a whole lotta sense, but just hang in there. I’m gonna go find a doctor,” he said. “But first, here, have some water.”

He opened up his water flask and helped prop her up so she could drink some of the water. Messily she drunk a little, but some spilled down the front of her. Gently he lowered her back down to the bed.

“I’ll be back soon,” he said, placing the flask next to her.

He headed out. Unsure of where else to go, he ran to the guards’ building and knocked furiously on the door. After a short wait, the door opened and one of the guards looked at Tavian.

“Yes?”

“One of my colleagues. She has a high fever. Is there a doctor here?”

“A fever? Shit.”

The guard vanished inside. Tavian could still hear his voice though: “Boss, we got another one. She’s one of the visitors.”

“Really? That makes seven now.”

Moments later the door opened again. This time though it was the Commandant. “She in your dorm?”

Tavian nodded.

“Stay away from her. We’ll transfer her to be with the others.”

“There are others?”

“Something’s got into this settlement,” said the Commandant. “If you notice any signs in yourself or others, report it immediately.”

“Will she be alright?”

“There are no guarantees out here. Our medical officer will do what she can.”

These were inadequate answers for Tavian.

“There must be something I can do to help?”

“Stay away. Don’t get sick yourself.”

He clenched his fist in frustration. “When will they get to her?”

“When they can.”

“Very well,” said Tavian. He turned and left.

He didn’t head for the gate to meet Ostara immediately. Instead, he made his way back to their dorm. When he reached it, no one had arrived yet. He entered and rushed to Mu’s bedside.

Her eyes were closed, but her skin was paler still and dripping with perspiration. Her chest was rising and falling with shallow breaths. The sheets on the bed were a tangled and sopping mess, muddied from her boots. His water flask lay on its side on the floor by the side of the bed, its contents forming a slowly expanding puddle.

He picked up the flask and set it upright on the small table beside the bed. He then set about gently removing her boots, and straightening the sheets.

No one else was in the dorm. He’d send a message to ensure they checked on Mu. It was time to go meet Ostara.

Before he left, he knelt beside her.

“Someone will be here to help soon,” he said.

He brushed some lank strands of hair away from her eyes. She moved slightly, but those eyes remained closed. She looked uncharacteristically fragile, the defiance and independence she usually exuded, nowhere to be seen.

He spoke some words softly as he knelt there, feeling the Starflow as he spoke:

“O Lady Anu, maiden of light,

Shelter this one, struck by fell blight.

Guard our hearts, our path, our song,

From shadows deep, where fears belong.

By your sweet grace, let no harm befall,

Hear your loyal bard’s humble call:

Guide her from encroaching dark,

Let her waken to morning lark.”

He ran two fingers gently over her forehead, then stood. He lingered a moment, gazing down at her.

“Sleep well, help is on the way,” he said.

He headed to meet Ostara. As Nova had said, he found Ostara standing by the river gate. She was accompanied by the geologist, Zhang Jiwen, as well as Dr Zhao, Zhao’s assistant, Lai Leizu, and one of the guards.

“Have you heard?” he asked Ostara as he reached the group.

She gave him a look that strongly implied that she had not in fact heard.

“Mu’s got a high fever,” he explained. “Something’s spreading through the settlement.”

“Is she alright?” asked Ostara, a look of deep concern entering her amethyst eyes.

“She’s not conscious, her breathing is shallow. The Commandant assured me someone would see to her,” said Tavian. “I invoked a protective ward against disease I learned long ago, back on Cáerthand… but I don’t know how effective it’s likely to be.”

Ostara looked Jiwen’s way.

“You can stay with your friend or come with us,” said Jiwen, “But whatever you do, we need to go now.”

“Has something happened?” asked Tavian.

“Yesugei’s party has activated their distress beacon. They aren’t far – near the pit we were headed to. But we have to get going. Now.”

“I messaged Nova, Harry, and Kal,” said Tavian. “Told them to check on Mu.

“Then we should go,” said Ostara. “Toghrul is with that party…”

Tavian took a breath and nodded. “Let’s go,” he said.

They set out immediately. According to Jiwen, both the beacon’s activation site, and the location of the pit they had been intending to visit were only about two hours from Port Arthur.

The going was tough. Jiwen and the guard led the way. Each had a vibrating saw-like instrument that they used to clear a path through the thick vegetation, but even with these it was slow progress. It seemed to Tavian that two hours of travel time probably didn’t equate to a very long distance.

Now that he was amongst it, Tavian felt something from the jungle. It exuded an aura – an aura of hunger. And something more… it was almost as if the jungle bore them genuine ill-will, malice. Even as he looked around, everything was green and lush, all the usual assortment of tropical plants. Yet somehow it seemed like there was also a cruel will behind it all. Tavian couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was that was giving him this impression, but he felt it strongly nonetheless.

Jiwen’s words tied into his feelings.

“Stay close together at all times,” said Jiwen. “Sergeant Bo and I will lead the way, but everyone needs to be on the lookout. The first vine that snags you may not seem like a big problem, but before you’ve removed it, another will come. It becomes a losing battle. You can be lost to the vines before you even realise it.”

Tavian knew he should be concentrating on his immediate surroundings, but he found his mind kept wandering to Mu’s pallid complexion as she lay there on that thin mattress.

How did she go downhill so quickly?

In his distracted state he wasn’t taking close note of where he was going. He tripped over something and stumbled, but avoided face-planting by grabbing onto a nearby vine to steady himself. Even as he did so he felt a sharp stab of pain in his hand, pulling it away to see a little trickle of blood where his skin had been punctured by a small thorn.

Waving his hand in irritation, he only now looked down and saw what it was he’d tripped on.

A bone.

Looking around, he now realised there were plenty of them scattered among the underbrush.

“Ah, Jiwen?” he said.

Jiwen and Sergeant Bo up ahead, stopped and turned to see what he was indicating.

The bones weren’t immediately obvious – many were covered in decaying leaves or partially hidden by ferns and other vegetation, but once he saw the first one, his eyes continued to be drawn to ever more.

“We need to move, now,” said Jiwen.

Tavian didn’t need any urging. But it was easier said than done. Because a vine a wrapped itself around his ankle, tiny barbs – like the thorn he’d stabbed his hand with – were now digging in through the fabric of his trousers and socks, poking into the flesh of his lower leg.

“Oh, fuck no,” said Sergeant Bo, running forward, the saw buzzing in his hand.

“Careful with that thing!” said Tavian.

Bo didn’t pause. In a quick movement he had severed the vine and stopped just a millimetre short of beginning to also sever Tavian’s leg. Yet, no sooner had he done this, than a vine wrapped itself around the very arm with which he held the saw. Another lashed around his midsection. Even as Tavian watched, he felt the barbs of yet another vine digging into his chest.

He heard a cry and looked over just in time to see Leizu go to ground, yanked from her feet. She let out another cry as she was dragged out of sight into the undergrowth. Even as more vines grabbed at him, Tavian looked around. Dr Zhao was nowhere to be seen.

Jiwen came rushing over, but he didn’t get far, a vine coming from above coiling around his body like a python and physically lifting him up off the ground, the saw tool tumbling from his hand as he was pulled upwards.

More vines were now grabbing at Tavian and he could feel his ability to move decreasing as each new set of barbs snagged his flesh.

Like meat hooks, he thought, darkly.

He struggled with all his might, but it was no good. Anytime he managed to pull himself away from a vine, the result was merely a set of bloody gashes where its thorns had been. And more attached themselves with each passing moment, far faster than he could pull away from them.

He couldn’t even see Jiwen anymore, though his field of view was becoming limited. The vines were now on his head and face and he couldn’t turn to look around. The jungle within his narrow field of view was alive. There were so many vines that it was impossible to focus on the movements of just one, everything was a seething mass of verdant green snakes, all converging relentlessly on their location.

I wonder who the poor soul will be who trips on my bones? thought Tavian.

Yet these dark and desperate musings were cut short. The hold of the vines began to slacken, until one by one they fell away. Suddenly, Tavian could move again. Could look around.

Which was when he saw Ostara, walking serenely among the vines, which seemed to waver and bend away from her. There came a noise from above and Jiwen was half-lowered, half-fell to the forest floor, the vines releasing him. Nearby, Sergeant Bo unsteadily rose to his feet.

Tavian looked down at himself. He was covered with countless cuts, some drizzling blood. His clothes were torn. But against his expectations of a few moments earlier, he was alive.

“What happened?” he asked.

Ostara turned to him and smiled. “I asked the Stars to intervene.”

“I didn’t even realise you were a Resonant,” said Tavian.

Ostara shrugged, continuing to smile.

“And what a Resonant…”

“We should hurry,” said Ostara. “They are hungry and will not be stayed long. We should get out of here.”

“No arguments here,” said Jiwen, gazing at Ostara with wonderment.

“Anyone seen the other two?” asked Bo.

Tavian looked around. Sure, enough there was no sign of Dr Zhao or Leizu. Jiwen let out a growl of frustration.

“Don’t tell me we lost them.”

“Dr Zhao!” bellowed Sergeant Bo.

There was no response.

He called out again.

Still no response.

“I should have been quicker,” said Ostara.

“You saved us all,” said Jiwen. “Perhaps they just got separated. We’ll keep an eye out for them.”

“I don’t want to be insensitive,” said Tavian, “But like Ostara says, we should probably get going.”

“Let’s move,” agreed Bo. “They’re on their own.”

They resumed their journey, their spirits further darkened. As he thought once more of Mu in her sickbed, Zhao and Leizu vanishing into this hellish tangle, the bones scattered across the ground, the distress signal from Toghrul’s party… a thought appeared unbidden in his mind. Was it even possible to survive this world? Thanks to Ostara they had escaped the most recent encounter with the vines. But Luanyuan was hungry and relentless. Did anyone ever make it out of its grasp?

He remembered the man in the bar in Heishui Zhen. If the crew made it back that far, Tavian wondered who would sing him a Hymn of Letheion when he was thrashing about, his mind bringing him back to the tangle of the vines, to his comrades being dragged away into the lush beds of ferns and twisted knots of roots.

The rest of the journey passed largely in silence. Tavian’s eyes continually scanned the ground for anymore bones. A few times he almost thought he saw some, but invariably it was just a fallen branch or some trick of the dim light that filtered down through the rainforest canopy.

How much farther?

With each step he felt Luanyuan’s heightened gravity, its drowning humidity, and its infernal heat. His futile struggle against the vines had left him drained. A fly buzzed past him, but he didn’t have the energy to swipe it away. It landed on his head. He didn’t care.

Jiwen had an answer to Tavian’s question.

“We’re close,” he declared. “The beacon’s signal isn’t far off.”

“Look!” said Bo, pointing ahead of them, “It looks like there might be some sort of clearing up ahead.”

Motivated by any sign of a break in the jungle’s monotony they raced ahead – or at least did the best version of racing they could do.

Sure enough, they soon emerged into a clearing. But not a natural one. At the centre of it was the wreckage of a small starship. Pieces of the ship were scattered about the clearing, some suspended by the vines that had presumably caught them as they had been flung away at the moment of impact. Surprisingly, though, overall, the ship was mostly intact.

“This must be the impact site,” said Jiwen.

“The vines have already got to it,” said Bo, pointing to the long vines that crept across the clearing and into the wreckage. “Doubt we’ll find any survivors.”

“Only one way to know for sure,” said Tavian.

They walked across the clearing.

“Be alert for any movement,” said Jiwen.

“I don’t think we’re in any immediate danger here,” said Ostara.

“Still…” said Jiwen, his eyes scanning the clearing.

They hadn’t gone far when Sergeant Bo called out. The others approached. Lying on the ground was the bisected corpse of a man, each half now connected only by dozens of thin vines. In many places flowers bloomed out of the flesh, fresh buds poking up through the skin.

“What the fuck…” murmured Bo.

Tavian felt slightly sick at the sight. He looked away.

“Do you have any idea who he might have been?” asked Ostara.

Jiwen shook his head, seemingly unable to take his eyes away from the sight.

“He’s no one I recognise. Judging by his clothes, he’s neither convict nor guard.”

“Whoever he was,” said Ostara. “He met with a cruel fate.”

“It’s the same we would have been met with without your intervention earlier,” said Jiwen.

Wanting to be away from the sight, but also feeling trepidation about what was to come, Tavian spoke up, “I’m going to go look inside the ship.”

He bounded over to the ship and clambered up onto it. Its hull was punctured in numerous places, so whilst its main boarding hatch was closed, there were numerous points of ingress. Just as he was about to jump through one of the holes, he heard a rustling in the bushes. He looked around, but saw nothing.

“You guys hear that?” he shouted back to the others.

“Yeah,” said Bo. “I’ll go take a look.”

“Didn’t sound like the plants,” said Tavian.

“There’s no large animals left around here,” said Jiwen. “Everything’s been eaten by the jungle.”

“Well, it was something,” said Tavian, before he leapt into the ship and the others vanished from sight.

The inside was darker than outside, but not drastically so. Plenty of light still made it inside, though there was no sign of artificial light. It was a far smaller vessel than the Amrita, and had none of the finishing touches that made the Amrita’s interior feel so homely and welcoming. By contrast this was undeniably a starship – cold metal and exposed machinery everywhere.

As he walked along the corridor he stepped carefully over a vine, watching it suspiciously. It didn’t move. Beside him, a control panel on the wall was sprouting bright pink flowers. More vines crept out of a ceiling vent.

He entered a room. It was a bedroom. Specifically, judging by the decorations and stuffed toys, a child’s room. It was in a surprisingly neat state. Looking around, Tavian could see nothing out of place. Even the bed was made. Exhaling slowly as he examined it one last time, then left.

Across the corridor was a door that led into another bedroom. In it were two corpses. A man and a woman, lying on the bed. Or what was left of them. The man’s body was mostly torn apart by vines, which had created such a thick tangle that there was more vine than human flesh now. The woman’s body was better preserved, covered in a variety of brightly coloured flowers, blooming with a lethal serenity across her reposed body.

Judging by the state of the bodies – what hadn’t been consumed yet – they were relatively fresh. He couldn’t imagine in conditions like those of Luanyuan any such flesh would remain long.

The other thing that struck him was that they didn’t look to be the bodies of people who had died in a crash. Nor did they look like the bodies of people who had fought for their lives against the encroaching vines. Rather, they looked almost like someone had posed them there, in the bed.

He left the room. On the opposite side of the central corridor the single largest hole in the ship’s hull had been opened up. A long trail of dried blood led across the floor, up the wall, and out through the breach. Of the person to whom the blood had once belonged, there was no sign.

He heard footsteps behind him and spun around, but saw it was just Ostara.

“Found anyone?” she asked.

“No one alive,” he replied.

He could see she was looking at the great smear of blood. She didn’t say anything, and he didn’t feel the need to either. Wordlessly, he left and walked towards the front of the vessel.

The doors to the cockpit were jammed, but slightly ajar. He squeezed inside. The front viewing port was completely smashed and rain and leaves had been blown in, pooling about in various places. In a few spots there were splashes of dark, old blood, but there were no bodies to be found her.

Ostara came in behind him.

“What do you make of it?” she asked.

“At least four people on board,” he said. “Maybe more. None of the bodies we’ve seen looked like they were killed in the crash itself.”

“There’s a fair bit of blood in here,” observed Ostara.

“Yeah… could be that they were injured and didn’t have much hope of escaping the vines,” said Tavian. “If they didn’t know what they were getting into, they would have been like a buffet to the jungle. Also… did you see the bedrooms?”

Ostara shook her head.

“There was a kid on board,” said Tavian.

“They’re dead?”

“I haven’t seen a body,” said Tavian with a sigh, “But if they’re alive, I’d say they’re an orphan.”

Tavian only now noticed that Ostara was carrying something.

“What’s that?” he asked.

She held it up for him to see better. It appeared to be the figure of a man holding a baton. It was carved from jade.

“It appears to be some sort of religious idol,” she said.

Tavian looked more closely at it. For some reason it made him feel vaguely uneasy – an unease that sat adjacent, but separate to the abundant well he already felt.

“What sort of religion?” he asked.

“Interestingly enough, I believe one that used to be practiced here on Luanyuan,” said Ostara.

“Oh?” said Tavian.

“Did Mu tell you about the grottoes on the river on the way here?” asked Ostara.

He shook his head, “Mu doesn’t tend to make much small talk with me.”

“Before we got to Port Arthur, Mu says she saw grottoes with religious carvings in the karsts by the river. Dr Zhao told her they depicted a local deity from before terraforming, known as the Conductor,” explained Ostara.

Before they got to Port Arthur, thought Tavian. That’d only been yesterday morning. Yet now Dr Zhao was probably dead and Mu… he didn’t finish the thought.

“Go on,” he prompted Ostara.

“Well, I did some reading after Mu told me this, and I’m now struck by how much this little fellow here looks like the carvings in the grottoes.”

“So, the people on this ship meant to come here?” asked Tavian.

“It seems likely,” said Ostara.

“Probably didn’t intend to get here like this,” remarked Tavian, indicating the general devastation of the ship with a sweep of his arm.

“Probably not,” agreed Ostara.

“Do you know anything about this Conductor?” asked Tavian.

She shook her head. “Not much. There are very few records indicating the existence of the religion. If pre-terraforming Luanyuan was an epicentre of the faith, then perhaps a lot of the information has been wiped.”

“It does seem like someone’s gone to a great deal of effort to bury this planet’s past,” said Tavian.

“It certainly does.”

Tavian nodded in the direction of the ship’s computers. “Perhaps the ship has some more info to offer.”

“Do you think these systems look workable?’ asked Ostara.

“You’re the first mate on a starship,” he replied, “My expertise is in story-telling, poetry, music… alcoholism… I’m not sure I have much of an opinion to offer on the state of these computers.”

Ostara gave a small laugh. “Maybe we can get Nova here, and see if she can salvage anything.”

“If anyone could do it, it’d be her,” agreed Tavian. “But maybe get Kal along next time. He might actually frighten the vines.”

She laughed again. “Perhaps you should play them some of your music?”

“No need to mock me,” said Tavian.

“What makes you think I was mocking you, Tavian?”

There was the sound of rapid footsteps. They turned to see Jiwen coming towards them.

“You’ll want to see this,” he said.

Tavian picked his way across the slippery rocks, leading across the overflowing pools of water. As Jiwen led them closer, he could see that more and more of the pools were filled not with water, but with a mutli-coloured, viscous liquid.

A few moments later he saw the source. Sergeant Bo was standing next to it. Jiwen stepped to one side to give Ostara and Tavian a clear view.

A being, quite unlike anything he had seen before, sat stooped against the tree. It had three sets of feathered wings and skin that was mostly a soft, luminescent blue, streaked with silver, green, and gold. On its head were many, many eyes – eyes which had a deep, yet alien intelligence to them, following their every movement. Two moth-like antennae sat atop its head. It had four arms, which hung limply at its sides. Its entire body was covered in gaping wounds, and from these wounds the viscous liquid Tavian had seen was flowing continuously, oozing out like honey on a cold morning.

Looking upon this thing Tavian was struck with an indescribable feeling. A sense that he was looking at something boundless, unfathomable. That what he was seeing here was only the tip of an ice-burg, the bulk of which was hidden from the material Cosmos. In this thing’s presence he felt at once small, and yet personally acknowledged by the Cosmos itself. His worries seemed less acute in this being’s presence, and yet he was unsettled in other ways, ways he could not, even with all his bardic eloquence, describe.

Ostara stepped forward and Tavian saw the being’s eyes all focus simultaneously on her. She regarded it a few moments, each of them staring at the other. Then she crouched down, reaching out her hand, and from a wound on the creature’s chest she wiped away a little of the many-coloured ooze. She lifted her fingers close to inspect them, inspect the iridescence that dripped from them.

Then she stood, flicking it away.

“What is it?” asked Tavian.

“I don’t know,” said Ostara, “But it seems strangely familiar.”

Behind them, came a rustling. Like Tavian had heard before, back at the ship.

“There you are!” exclaimed Bo, spinning around.

This time Tavian saw the source of the noise. A teenage girl in a filthy dress was standing a short distance away, only partially obscured by the jungle. Her eyes were wide with fear. But most notably, from her mouth liquid of many colours drizzled down her chin.

“Stop right there!” shouted Bo.

“We won’t hurt you,” added Ostara.

But the girl fled into the dark of the jungle.