{Enki | Bridge}

Korac fell to the floor as Pehton rushed over to help Sagan hold his head up. He was far too tall for both short women to keep him upright. Pehton peered at Sagan over Korac’s unconscious body.

There had been a recent development. Pehton could see it in the tears streaking the Seamswalker’s face.

Pehton reached for Sagan’s hand. “What’s wrong—”

“Hello, all those not currently possessing a Dyson’s Sphere.”

Razor’s actual voice came from an all-comms system—Everywhere.

Tameka, Pehton, Iuo, and Tumu looked properly panicked, but not Sagan and Xelan.

“I’ll be your guide to Enki for the next two hours before your expulsion. In the meantime, enjoy the fireworks. The Pantheon is currently providing one phenomenal display, and I have the perfect soundtrack for it.”

Music with a heavy beat pulsed through the surrounding speakers. Rousing violins joined in a dramatic overture to battle. Why were the Aegis and half-Aegis such big drama queens?

Tameka whispered to Xelan, who seemed rather calm about their current situation.

Pehton left her earpiece open to the Pantheon team, and Kyle sounded a little concerned. “What the fuck is that? Over.”

Now wasn’t the time to laugh at the mundanity of communication protocols, but it was super tempting. Instead, Pehton said, “I’ll find out and provide you an update ASAP. Over and Out.”

Sagan was also talking to her comms. “Yes, War King. That’s Razor—”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Xelan crossed the space and knelt to check Korac’s vitals. He looked into Sagan’s and Pehton’s eyes, no doubt filled with concern, but not the Prince. He assured, “Korac will wake any minute. Try not to stress yourself too much, Sagan.”

Tameka grumbled something about being in communion with a star and needing to concentrate, despite all this drama.

Pehton glimpsed Tumu standing in the center of the bridge, gazing around it. Colored lights transitioned in time with the music. Ambiance. Razor was giving them atmosphere for some grand display of his—

Korac stirred at last, and Pehton pinched his arm.

“Ow!”

She let him have it. “General, you have no idea how badly you worried Sagan.”

Xelan chuckled.

Tameka muttered, “Thank Elden.”

Iuo took a picture of the group all crouched on the floor over the tall, fit specimen of Icarean and Aegis breeding, laid out with his hair fanning him like some pale halo.

Would Pehton ever get over him completely?

Korac cupped Sagan’s face, and she smiled despite her puffy eyes.

Tumu was the only one not having a good time. “Star, what did Razor say to you last?”

They all stared at Sagan, who looked less happy now. A little confused, she said, “I’m not sure, but I think he said ‘goodbye.’”

Pehton stepped back to give Korac room to stand, and she settled beside Iuo while the others talked. Korac said something about not sensing Razor anymore, but Pehton was rather distracted with the picture of them in Iuo’s latest entry.

“Wow, Iuo, I can’t remember looking so happy. Ever.”

The Lamian Prince shown her a winning smile. “I think you look prettiest this way.” She blushed a little, especially as he went on. “And if you and Caedes ever want a film—”

“Peh Peh.”

Pehton whirled to find a life-size projection of Razor’s Aegis form, complete with a three-piece suit, a cane, and a fucking top hat.

The Lyriki warrior exclaimed, “Hey, team!”

The others stopped talking and stared. Even Tameka finally gave up on her task to gawk.

The Razor projection waved. “I am the eyes and ears—really the heart of the Dyson’s Sphere now. Try not to break me. At least not for another two hours.”

Pehton glanced at Wingmaster. There was something to this. He didn’t look concerned or confused, but more like he’d expected this much.

But time and place. Pehton asked, “Why are you asking for me?”

Razor smiled, and it was made of light. “I may need your help.”

Pehton didn’t have to laugh in his face. Tameka did, and it was full of incredulity.

The Aegis fixed his alien gaze on the redhead, and his smile crooked into a smirk. “I know I need yours, Fury. You’re the key to Ishkur.”

Well, that got everyone’s attention.