The Complete Pendomus Chronicles Trilogy: Books 1-3 of the Pendomus Chronicles Dystopian Scifi Boxed Set Series Page 16

  Surprisingly, the song chosen for Kani is slow and beautiful. I wish I knew what made the sounds. They mingle in a haunting way, reminding me of the wind and the way I feel when I’m outside.

  “Here, you try it. Just hold on, like this,” she sets the device in my hand and tips her head. “When the scanner comes on, place your purdy face in line. The first few times, it’ll run through a test sequence. If you don’t like the song, hit the red arrow until you find one you like. That’ll start the recognition sequence to start compiling your list of likes and dislikes.”

  “Couldn’t hurt, I guess,” I say and allow the scanner to create a new profile setting for me.

  After a few moments of flitting through the prompts, the hall fills with a new kind of music. The rise and fall of the words in combination with all the other sounds makes my heart beats grow louder—pounding in my ears and thumping unevenly in my chest.

  “Can you hear the wind instruments?” Kani grins, “They resemble the wind blowing … but really, people are blowing into them. The only one I really know about are flutes. Listen— hear the loop? Right here. Those are string instruments. Violins and cellos, I think,” Kani smiles broadly, “They have these in the Lateral.”

  I smile, thinking of what it would be like to listen to something like this in person. I focus again on the song and the longer I listen, the less air I seem to have. Before I can control myself, my eyes blur and tears spill down my cheeks. The words are somehow able to make sense of my life, eons before I even entered this world.

  The song is beyond haunting—it’s agonizing.

  “Hey guys, take a gander a’ this— ” Fenton’s voice echoes triumphantly behind me.

  Kani leans down and asks, “You … okay? You’re not gonna get completely sappy on me now are you?” she scratches at her forehead, “Because I don’t do sappy well.”

  “I’m fine…”

  “Alright, well, I’m gonna check on what Fenton’s come up with. You comin’?”

  So many questions percolate at the back of my mind. Have we been here long enough to find what we need on Videus?

  “Give me a minute. Okay?” I say.

  My smile is weak, but Kani pats my leg awkwardly and gets up.

  “What’s going on, guys? Did you find something?” she sets off around the table and I take a moment to center myself. With a final deep inhalation, I push off the bench and trudge toward the rest of the group. When I join them, my brother’s face stares back at me from the holographic screen.

  “What’s going on here?” I ask, turning to Traeton, “I thought we were researching Videus?”

  Trae stands a bit taller and says, “Right. And this is the latest entry we’ve found.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask, leaning in to get a better look. I follow Fenton’s outstretched finger to a spot on the screen.

  Beneath Baxten’s current status, two words assault my eyes.

  VIDEUS VASSALAGE

  “Vassalage?” I ask, struggling to keep my voice even, “Is that his last name?

  “Yer guess is as good as mine,” Fenton says, shrugging.

  “I think it’s pretty clear, based on this, Videus was involved in the attack on your brother.” Trae says, concern creeping across his face.

  “Did you find anything else?” I ask, returning my gaze to the screen.

  “Nothin’ more in tha Helix side—everythin’ we saw before’s gone. There were a couple hits in tha old system, though. Lemme try an’ bring ’em up,” Fenton says, logging out of the Helix.

  After a few minutes of searching, Fenton finally says, “Uhm … seems there’s somethin’ ta this Videus Vassalage thing. If I’m righ’—and I think I am—Vassalage is not his last name. It’sa place.”

  “What does that mean?” I ask.

  “I’m startin’ ta think yer brother migh’ no’ be dead, Runa,” Fenton says, fidgeting in his seat, “But you’re not gonna like wha’ I think is goin’ on any better.”

  I tear my eyes from the screen and narrow them on Fenton.

  He tilts his head and sighs, “I was curious, so I looked up tha word, vassalage ’cause I’ve never ’eard it before. Ta put things blunt, I think it’s a kinda … well, a slavery prison—”

  “You’re kidding, right?” Trae says, pounding his fists on the table and pushing away.

  “How could he be in a … prison? We watched him burst into flames?” I ask, my voice rising in panic.

  “I dunno. Wha’ if— wha’ if tha’s more like a portal or summin’?”

  “A portal? What do you think this is? Science fiction?” Trae says, snorting.

  “Look, man— after all tha’s been ’appening, I wouldn’t rule nuthin’ out.”

  “So … he may still be alive?” I say, taking a step back.

  “Maybe?” Fenton says, looking hopeful, “But I dunno where tha vassalage is. There’s a couple references about an important Caudex wit information ta stop Videus. Maybe it’s in there? Anyone know wha’ a caudex is?”

  “A caudex is a book, dummy,” Kani says, rolling her eyes, “And I thought you were the smart one.”

  Fenton makes a face and continues, “Well, anyway, says ’ere tha original history o’ Pendomus was imbued within tha Caudex. This … book was then ’idden from someone named Videus, who sought ta eliminate tha original inhabitants of tha planet and claim Pendomus fer ’imself.”

  “I thought Pendomus was devoid before we terraformed and initiated our gravity fields,” Trae says.

  “Tha’s been tha story, ain’t it?” Fenton says, “But says ’ere there was a war over tha planet … and Videus’ side won. And you’ll never guess who was on his side.”

  “Who?” Trae asks.

  “Tha Labots,” Fenton says.

  “Of course,” Kani says, tapping the table.

  “This means the Helix is a much bigger problem than we ever knew,” Trae says, running his hand across the back of his neck.

  “Tha Caudex is ’posed ta ’ave a way ta reverse wha’ tha resistence saw as inevitable. They started takin’ precautions. Tha entry’s kinda cryptic, but makes it sound like—nah, tha’ can’t be right.”

  “What?” Everyone asks in unison, enthralled.

  “Says ’ere the planet’s rotation was meant to be ceased after tha war. Tha resistance was tryin’ ta stop tha’ from ’appening.”

  “Whoa,” Trae says, raising his eyebrows.

  I blink, trying to process what was just said. “Wait. You’re telling me the tidal lock was … artificially created?”

  “Accordin’ ta this,” Fenton says.

  “Wait a minute. Let’s just say there was a war and Videus was the winner … Who wrote this entry?” Kani asks.

  “Doesn’t say,” Fenton says, shaking his head.

  “Think about it, guys. If you were about to lose a war, you’d want to leave a trail to the old records, right?” Trae says, pacing behind Fenton’s chair, “So the truth can be known.”

  “Sure. But if no one has access to these records anymore … how would they ever find the trail to this … Caudex?” Kani says, “This entry doesn’t even say where it’s hidden, right?”

  Fenton leans forward and scans the entries. A moment later, he says, “There’s no indication of a specific location, bu’ it does mention … a Tree of Burden. As if there ain’t many trees on Pendomus,” he snorts, “Bu’ tha whole thing’s unclear. Talks ’bout a blue crystal key ta open it. No’ sure if it’s meant fer tha Tree or fer tha book. Both?”

  He points to an image on the screen. Clearly not real, the image is a drawn depiction— but there’s no mistaking the shape—or the crystal. It’s the same one I found days before my attack.

  The one I left inside the Helix.

  My mouth pops open and as everything starts to make sense. The key—the Tree of Burden—Videus.

  “Fenton, is there a way to get inside the Helix undetected?” I blurt out.

  Surprise flashes across his face, but he says,
“Uh … I wouldn’t recommend it. Why?”

  “I need to know,” I urge,“If Videus has my brother—I need to get him back.”

  “Wha’ does gettin’ in tha Helix— ” he pauses as he takes in my expression, “You’d ’ave ta shut down yer eLink completely, but I dunno if tha’s even possible.”

  “What would happen if I don’t—or can’t?”

  “Then tha Labots would probably respond. Ya’ve been gone too long from tha system. If wha’ we’re findin’ is righ’—the Labots are in league wit Videus.”

  “I don’t understand why the hell you need to go into the Helix in the first place,” Kani says.

  “Because I know how the resistance were planning to illuminate the trail to the Caudex,” I whisper, “Which means I may be able to find my brother.”

  All three of them look at me with intense fascination and I take a step back. My mind is reeling with all of this new information.

  I haven’t been losing my mind.

  I pace for a moment, contemplating how to word things.

  “Remember when I said this is all my fault? That Videus is after me?” I begin, “Well, I’ve been told these things … inside my mind. Someone’s been … helping me. The voices started after my attack.”

  Trae blinks furiously and his forehead creases.

  “What?” he says, an indignant tone hidden in the simple word.

  “But tha’s impossible. The eLink doesn’t work ou’ here,” Fenton says, shakes his head.

  “I know.”

  The room is eerily silent and I fidget with the cuff of my jacket.

  “Something else is connecting to me. Sending me warnings about Videus—and the Tree of Burden. Whatever this is—” I circle my finger around my head for effect, “—whoever is doing this ... They need me to get to the Tree of Burden—and I know which one it is. But I need to go back to the Helix for the key.”

  I point to the crystal on the screen.

  Their faces are completely blank and not one of them moves. Is it the revelation I’m hearing things, or I’m being warned of something that is quite possibly real?

  After an agonizing minute, Trae walks over to me with clenched fists.

  “Do you … do you think this is funny?” he asks.

  My mouth drops open, flabbergasted.

  “Nnn—no.”

  He towers over me with his dark eyes flashing.

  “I tell you about my sister Ava and you expect me to believe you’re hearing things, now? That’s sick, Runa. You’re sick. Talk about delusions of grandeur.”

  Any remaining trace of oxygen is obliterated from my lungs.

  Kani steps forward, pushing him hard in the chest as she says, “Back off, Trae. What if she’s telling the truth? Think about it—”

  Swiping his hand down in between them, Trae cuts her off, “Would you just stop. Stop. I get it. I know what you think should happen here and I’m telling you right now—it’s not.”

  I have no idea what he thinks is going on, but I can’t take another second of this. I need to think—to figure out my next course of action. With or without their help, I need to get inside the Helix and get the key.

  In an instant, I’m on my feet and running. Tears spill freely and furiously as I run to— anywhere else.

  “Let her go, Trae. She won’t get very far. She needs a minute,” Kani says as I leave. “She’s has a lot to process. Hell, we all have.”

  I’ve never been more grateful to her than in this moment. My sobs are uncontrollable and I can’t catch my breath. It doesn’t take me long to reach the wall where we came in and I pound my fist in disgust.

  Why me? Why am I the one? Because of me, my brother’s been taken—and it’s not fair. I jump back in surprise as the wall slides aside without the disc Fenton used, revealing the tunnel beyond. Not questioning my luck, I run as fast as my feet can carry me. At the far end of the tunnel, natural light streams in and I pick up speed.

  Forget them, or their help. I need to go to the Helix—now. I’ll figure things out when I get there.

  The time it takes to reach the other end of the tunnel seems like a blink of an eye. I scramble up the ladder on the wall and out the door, hoping I have a good head start before they come after me. The cold air knocks into me and I begin my sprint to the Helix.

  Behind me, the heavy door slams shut and I spin around, my heart throbbing against my rib cage as I face whatever’s behind me. But there’s— nothing there. No sooner do I breathe a sigh of relief— the hairs on my neck raise of their own volition. A low grunt nearby makes me freeze.

  Oh … no, no, no—

  The Morph—whatever it really is—is here.

  I should have known. Things were much too easy …

  Spinning in circles, a muted glow comes at me from the left side of the fallen door. My scream is squelched before it can be released because the lump in my throat won’t let it pass. Scrambling in the snow with my tears turning to terror, I take off at full bolt toward the Helix. My lungs burn and panic claws at my insides.

  The creature is so close. And I’m so far—

  Snow blows in wide spirals, vibrating in the space around me. The creature suddenly snatches the back of my jacket and flings me on its invisible body. In the next instant, we shoot like a rocket toward the Helix.

  As I lay, dangling across what I thought was certain death, I’m on the verge of passing out. The tingling sensation slams into me with force—then nausea, and the bright light. I don’t have enough willpower to fight it off. There’s no voice this time, but as the light dissipates, I can clearly make out the shape of the thing I’m riding. But more than that—I have a clear sense of who the creature really is.

  Her body is huge, like that of a bear—her eight strong legs moving swiftly, manipulating the snow as she runs. The edges of her body glow in a shimmering iridescent rainbow. Dreams flash through my mind of a time spent with this animal. Or are they memories? The water’s edge. Her gentle protection.

  Tethys.

  The information and connection to her flows through me like the water surrounding her. She’s no Morph—I know this animal.

  I trust this animal!

  My terror washes away and peace settles over me like a warm breeze. Her attack on me was never meant to hurt me—she had been trying to open my sight to the things I couldn’t see, but would need to. It was her healing saliva that saved my eye, allowing me to see—her.

  The light fades, settling somewhere inside Tethys’ body and I know things will be okay. At least, for now.

  Tethys is, after all, my guardian.

  17

  Traeton

  RUNA’S HEARING THINGS NOW? That’s how she knows people are after her?

  Why would she say something so ludicrous?

  She, of all people, should know what saying something like that would mean to me. This has to be Kani’s idea—trying to get me to lower my defenses. She’s been at me all damn day to talk to Runa. What the hell’s in it for Kani, anyway? Even Fenton’s teamed up with her. As if I need to feel worse than I already do—even if this is for the best.

  Runa’s face when I yelled at her continues to streaking through my memory—she was so hurt. I pinch at the spot between eyes, hoping to erase the painful expression somehow. It does absolutely nothing to ease my conscience.

  The only problem is, my anger isn’t even meant for her. It’s mine and mine alone. I’m angry at myself for letting things get so jumbled up. I’m angry I’m hurting her when all I want to do is kiss her. Hell, I’m even angry for wanting that.

  On top of everything, I’m furious at Kani and Fenton for continuing to push. I’m so close to the brink of losing my resolve without their constant assault. Runa needs some time and frankly, so do I. A few minutes isn’t going to kill either of us, despite what my insides are telling me.

  “Uh, Trae. Ya migh’ wanna take a look a’ this,” Fenton says.

  Taking a deep breath, I walk back to the screen. Fenton ha
s cracked into the Helix’s system again and Runa’s hProfile is loaded. Her beautiful face smiles sorrowfully at me. She looks the way she should look—white hair and all. Though her eyes aren’t right—both the same fiery amber color.

  “What’s up?” I ask, trying to figure out what he’s wanting me to check out.

  Kani leans in, searching the screen.

  “What else do you see? I don’t get it,” she asks.

  “Look closer. Under ‘er paren’al status,” Fenton says, his eyes widening, “I had ta pull up Runa’s hProfile ta find ’er brother’s … and stumbled on this doozy.”

  We both lean in as Fenton taps a section on the screen and leans back.

  MOTHER: Absala Cophem

  FATHER: Genetic Match Unknown

  “What in the hell?” Kani says, taking a step back.

  “How can her father’s genetic match be unknown? She told me about her dad. He died when she was really young,” I say, gripping the edge of the table until my knuckles turn white, “She … has memories of him. What are they playing at?”

  “I dunno know wha’ ta tell ya. Bu’ I didn’t wanna say anythin’ when Runa was— ”

  We all jump as the grinding of the main wall shifting aside cuts off his words.

  We exchange confused glances and Fenton says, “Tha’s impossible. I ’ave tha control right ’ere.”

  Fenton holds up the small device we use to activate the wall.

  “There seems to be a lot of impossible going around lately,” I say, stepping forward.

  Kani smacks me aside and says, “You stay here. You’ve done enough damage. I’ll go check on her. The door probably glitched or something.”

  She stomps off in the direction of the commotion.

  Kani doesn’t understand, but at least she’s turned her hostilities toward me, instead of Runa. I pace the floor, waiting impatiently for Kani to come back with Runa. How am I gonna handle things when they come back?